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Find cheap flights to South America from $987

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Australia to South America departing on 22/8. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
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Sun 9/6

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Best South America Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Bogotá
Bogotá3 stops$2,274
Santiago
Santiagodirect$1,686
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires2 stops$2,053
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo2 stops$1,998
Lima
Lima2 stops$2,026
Medellín
Medellín3 stops$2,367
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro2 stops$2,077
Montevideo
Montevideo2 stops$2,133
Cali
Cali2 stops$2,379
Cartagena
Cartagena2 stops$2,238
Quito
Quito2 stops$2,490
Cusco
Cusco2 stops$2,076
Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre3 stops$2,194
Cordoba
Cordoba2 stops$5,743
Mendoza
Mendoza2 stops$2,251
Bucaramanga
Bucaramanga2 stops$2,271
Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte2 stops$2,362
Guayaquil
Guayaquil2 stops$2,547
Pereira
Pereira2 stops$5,428

Good to know

Low season

August

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$987
Best time to beat the crowds (8% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (36% more expensive on average)
Flight from Melbourne to Santiago

FAQs - booking South America flights

  • What direct flights are there from Australia to South America?

    Most flights come with at least one stop along the way. However, if Chile is on your itinerary, you’re in luck. Direct flights are available from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport (SCL) with Qantas and LATAM. If direct flights are important to you, starting and ending your South American adventure in Santiago may be the ideal strategy.

  • How can I find quick flights to South America from Australia?

    Australian and South American carriers like Qantas and LATAM are a great place to start if you’re looking for a shorter itinerary. You’ll also find one- and two-stop itineraries with airlines like Emirates, KLM and American Airlines. Another point to consider is the Australian city from which you depart. Regardless of where you’re heading in South America, flights departing from Sydney tend to be faster.

  • How can I find cheap North American flight deals?

    Booking at least a couple of months in advance will get you better flight deals. When travelling to South America from Australia, it’s also important to consider the airport you enter and exit the continent. You can avoid lengthy and expensive multi-stop itineraries by starting and ending your adventure in major South American hubs like Santiago, Bogota or Lima.

  • Which visa do Australians need to visit South America?

    From Paraguay and Brazil to Chile and Argentina, Australian citizens can generally obtain visas on arrival in South America for stays of less than 90 days (or in Bolivia, less than 30 days). Rules can change, so it’s crucial to check the visa requirements for every country on your itinerary. For all South American countries, you will need a passport that is valid for six months beyond the end of your trip, with blank visa pages. Also, bring proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel.  

  • How long is the flight to South America?

    An average direct flight from Australia to South America takes 25h 19m, covering a distance of 21067 km. The most popular route is Melbourne - Lima with an average flight time of 28h 20m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to South America?

    The cheapest ticket to South America from Australia found in the last 72 hours was $1,001 one-way, and $1,486 round-trip. The most popular route is Melbourne to Lima J Chavez Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $2,133.

  • Which airlines fly to South America?

    LATAM Airlines, Qantas Airways & Malaysia Airlines fly the most frequently from Australia to South America.

  • What are the most popular destinations in South America?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Buenos Aires (20% of total searches to South America). The next most popular destinations are Bogotá (19%) and Santiago (17%). Searches for flights to Lima (14%), to Sao Paulo (11%) and to Medellín (7%) are also popular.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South America

  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South America flight deals.
  • If you're planning on visiting Macchu Picchu in Peru, Cusco (CUZ) is the recommended airport. However, flights from Australia to Cusco generally have at least two stops and usually pass through Lima (LIM), so keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
  • Colombia has many international airports, so it’s important to consider the regions you want to explore before booking flights from Australia. El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is ideal if you’re planning on visiting the capital city. If you’re only interested in the Caribbean Coast, look for flights from Australia to Cartagena Airport (CTG).
  • Aussies planning to visit Patagonia can explore this stunning region in Chile, Argentina or both. You’ll generally find better flight deals with shorter flight times if you fly into Santiago from Australia.
  • If you’re planning on visiting Iguazu Falls, you can choose between Foz do Iguacu International Airport (IGU) in Brazil or Cataratas International Airport (IGR) in Argentina. From Australia, you’ll generally find cheaper flights with fewer stops if you opt for Foz do Iguacu Airport.
  • Travellers visiting Bolivia to explore the Salar de Uyuni salt flats or see the pink dolphins of the Amazon Basin should keep in mind that flights from Australia generally pass through Santiago, Lima or both. If you’re planning on visiting Chile or Peru, it may be wise to start in one of these countries and head to Bolivia next.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines flying to South America

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Australia to South America? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.7
Qatar AirwaysOverall score based on 4444 reviews
7.7Entertainment
7.8Boarding
7.7Comfort
8.2Crew
7.5Food
Airline reviews

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

10.0 ExcellentMarisa, Apr 2024ELP - ORD
Read more about Qatar Airways reviews

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

they give hard time at checking, they not allow computer bag or purse

I found it weird that the quality of the flight different from Australia to Doha than the Doha to Berlin leg. The quality of the toiletries pack (was in a box from Australia) and then a proper bag from Doha. The biggest variation was the inflight entertainment, which had a significantly shorter amount of content compared to the Doha flight. My QSuite seat was also broken and did not recline all the way flat. Wasn’t the best and I wouldn’t be happy if I’d paid cash for the flight.

They shld provide food. Between food they are giving 10 hours gap which is toooo much

From home to the airport, you must mention the terminal ready.

Food and entertainment was very very bad. Also, Doha airport is very bad. Entertainment was same for last 1 month....no change. Old movies. Food quality was sub par.

Asian Veng meal have Non Veg items which is not ok. Pure veg meals option are too less and they have inclusion of Vedgan and Lactos etc... which is taste less

Overall good but staff in the place looked extremely tired after 8hrs in 14 hrs journey and then service was cut short and response time for calls increased in later part of flight. Food was ok not astonishing

Very very bad.. more than 48 hr I didn’t received my baggage yet

The 2nd flight from Doha to Mumbai was not of international level expected while booking with Qatar

Initial flight was cancelled so moved to an alternative flight. As a result, stuck in a middle seat. Flight then place in holding pattern prior to landing resulting in a very late trip home.

There was nothing I didn’t like, prices a little lower would help

BA Airbus A380 BC upstairs had 2 3 2 layout. The seat was comfy but access for those in middle or window seats had to climb over others fest to get to ailse when seats in bed mode. The layout was not nearly as private as other layouts. The staff was amazing as well as the food. Most airline food is average but this was restaurant quality.

Following a marathon flight riddled by delays and changes from Santiago, Chile, my flight to Melbourne from Sydney was on schedule but I was transferred to the next flight. The reason by ticketing and the floor manager was I missed the entry to flight by one minute! That's right, the emphasised that if I was 1 minute earlier I would be on the flight. I asked what was the point them emphasising 1minute overdue and how that helped me or the situation. They didn't care at all. Replying that if it was one minute earlier they would've done something and smirking delivering the information. Australian's do call Australia home, Qantas calls Australian's suckers.

1) crackly headphone jack 2) one of the emergency seats recline. Usually second row does. But in this case neither did 3) food was scrambled eggs or fruit. 4) fruit should not be the option to eggs 5)miserable unpleasant crew not a smile. Thought that was a virgin thing

Qantas are unable to service and unfit for purpose, they cannot transport Australians on time to overseas destinations. On top of the inflated ticketing, the Sydney flight to Santiago was impacted because the plane was delayed arriving and then further bungling by Qantas admitting the ground new ground crew in charge of cleaning were not trained. The impact on passengers with connecting flights was tremendous and long ques of frustrated passengers waiting for rescheduling. **Qantas has become the Australian Spirit of disappointment**

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

I was pleasantly surprised with my flight to LA with Qantas. Although seats were not the roomies, service was excellent.

The service and smooth landing. Food was delicious and the staff was friendly. We arrived earlier than scheduled.

I do not read or speak in Spanish. Only English. When asking for help, the people spoke quickly in English and pointed a lot. I wish they would’ve spoken a little slower for me to understand. There was much confusion and hurried in their message and I was unclear as to where to go

Everything was as you would expect in coach - fine. Flight was close to on time.

Terrible They charged me 157$ for excess baggage even though my bags were within the normally accepted limits Flight was late. Service was poor. The snacks were really bad

Flight from Lima to São Paulo didn’t have USB plug to charge the cellphone.

It was a good experience, the flight was a little too long & the food was ok

Awful, horrible customer service. Flight got delayed and had to spend y the night in Bogota as a result. Very poor

Tough flight with turbulence… I was told by a fellow passenger that it is common. Nonetheless, very stressful. Cordial staff.

This airline is full of junk fees. After paying to get my kids to sit with me, we were asked at the gate to check in our roller bags and pay $40 for each one. Peruvian passengers all took their roller bag in the plane. I don’t appreciate airlines who spot the gringos to tax them more.

Our yoga retreat was cancelled and besides not refunding is, they would not even let us change dates or locations. As a matter of fact they wouldn’t even talk to us and kept referring to the travel agent, who said they couldn’t change anything and it was up to the airline to do so. They passed the buck until it was too late to do anything about it. Avoid Latham and Budget Air for your travel plans.

Pros: "The seat was comfort, good attention, flight on timing 😇"
Cons: "In several times the plane went down and up, and I think the pilot had no experience or it was the first time flying"

The flight was delayed due to weather issue…WiFi did not work and even though I wanted to pay for WiFi I couldn’t buy it. Overall very disappointing even though I paid and reserved Business class

Crew was not very helpful. They forgot to serve me coffee and had to wait for a long time.It looked as if they were not very happy with what they were doing.

737 Max was leaking water into the cabin through the windows. Overhead bins opened on landing. Bad bad plane.

This flight was a code share on Air New Zealand.

Crowded flight, but upbeat and kind crew. Pilot greeted us at door, flight attendant thanked a number of “special” passengers for their business, another addressed an eight-year old boy as “young man.” United obviously trying to up their game, but though all of that is nice and notable, flying still feels like moving along a human assembly line, being herded into one small space after another (boarding areas with too few seats, planes with limited personal space, shuttles (IAD) packed too full.

Cramped and uncomfortable seats. Not enough room for 6’2” person such as myself.

Flight was absolutely sold out, so that just makes the crews job that much tougher. I will say people (customers) are behaving better over the last year.

Flying First Class, the food could have been much better. The seat wasn’t very comfortable.

The crew was not friendly . Service was poor. Food was not great. It was also an older plane that ha some equipment issue.

Due to a cancelled flight the day before this flight only had 44 people. Best flight ever on international route. Food getting better. Can United provide fruit ex apples and bananas for snacks? Crew fantastic.

I had written all my complaints on my trip from Grand Junction to Denver so I will repeat it here! I was absolutely appalled that I had to pay for a regular seat that I choose 24 hrs before boarding! Also I checked my large bag which I had to pay for as well, and by the time I boarded all the room in the bins were gone so also had to check that one. I noticed people pulling out oversized suitcases, bigger than the measurements stated for carry on, and also large pack packs stuffed full! So these people were taking up 2 or 3 spaces that the rest of us should have been able to use but couldn’t! NoTV on the flight! Thankfully I had downloaded the United Airlines app and was able to watch movies on my phone. Don’t remember the last time I flew in a plane with no movie screens!

Delays upon delays. Food was gross. Separated me and my spouse is the seating I heard others complaining they weren't sat with their loved ones either.

Got the email to check in but when I tried to check in it said "cannot connect to server", so checked in at the desk.

For me was not enough water. + 200 ml would be perfect… Generally it was good.

Bye portaction for cancelation , when you want to change date, you have to cancel And pay 20% as cancelation. To lose as cancelation!!! Upsell airline!!!!!!!!!!!

I got hurt and needed a wheelchair. They were excellent. I also appreciated the fact that they kept me informed thru out the whole trip regarding boarding, gate changes and luggage info.

I got hurt and needed a wheelchair. They were excellent.

5 delays to departure. Finally left 2 hours after scheduled time. Further issues with “paperwork” when we were ready to push away from the gate. Air Canada has a real problem with flights between Montreal and Toronto over the last 24 months. Of my 12 flights, 8 have been delayed or cancelled. With no compensation. I now drive between Toronto and Montreal whenever I can. At least I know I will get there when I planned to.

It is admissible that we have to pay over price to eat on a 5h flight...

They changed our seats on us and ended up giving us the last row in Business class. We added wheel chair service and did not get it at any of the airports. My mom had to walk everywhere which was just unbelievable that they didn't provide this service. Just terrible

Book Cheap South America Plane Tickets

Recent return flight deals

16/5Thu
directLATAM Airlines
12h 45mMEL-SCL
30/5Thu
directLATAM Airlines
14h 45mSCL-MEL
$1,686
16/5Thu
2 stops
20h 05mMEL-SCL
30/5Thu
direct
14h 45mSCL-MEL
$1,741
16/5Thu
directQantas Airways
12h 45mMEL-SCL
31/5Fri
1 stopQantas Airways
20h 10mSCL-MEL
$2,283
11/6Tue
directQantas Airways
12h 45mMEL-SCL
9/7Tue
directQantas Airways
14h 45mSCL-MEL
$2,298
21/5Tue
2 stopsUnited Airlines
49h 45mMEL-BOG
12/6Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
41h 01mBOG-MEL
$2,746
24/5Fri
2 stopsUnited Airlines
27h 10mMEL-BOG
31/5Fri
2 stopsUnited Airlines
32h 00mBOG-MEL
$2,749
13/10Sun
1 stopQatar Airways
51h 10mSYD-GRU
31/10Thu
2 stopsQatar Airways
45h 10mGRU-SYD
$2,875
16/10Wed
1 stopQatar Airways
51h 10mSYD-GRU
10/11Sun
2 stopsQatar Airways
40h 05mGRU-SYD
$2,905
15/7Mon
2 stopsAir Canada
57h 45mSYD-BOG
12/8Mon
3 stopsAir Canada
55h 20mBOG-SYD
$4,050
15/7Mon
2 stopsAir Canada
57h 45mSYD-BOG
15/8Thu
3 stopsAir Canada
55h 20mBOG-SYD
$4,133

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Recent one-way flight deals

22/8Thu
directLATAM Airlines
12h 45mMEL-SCL
$987
6/6Thu
directLATAM Airlines
12h 45mMEL-SCL
$1,019
20/7Sat
2 stops
31h 10mMEL-SCL
$1,020
5/9Thu
2 stops
32h 00mMEL-SCL
$1,022
1/10Tue
directQantas Airways
12h 40mSYD-SCL
$2,261
1/10Tue
1 stopQantas Airways
16h 25mSYD-SCL
$2,268
19/6Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
35h 30mMEL-EZE
$2,775
15/9Sun
3 stopsAir Canada
42h 05mSYD-SCL
$2,859
25/10Fri
3 stopsAir Canada
42h 05mSYD-SCL
$2,926
22/6Sat
2 stopsQatar Airways
46h 30mMEL-EZE
$3,448

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Last minute flights to South America

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

5/5Sun
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
33h 00mSYD-GRU
10/5Fri
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
42h 50mGRU-SYD
$2,006
6/5Mon
multi-stopLATAM Airlines
26h 45mSYD-SCL
23/5Thu
multi-stopLATAM Airlines
18h 55mSCL-SYD
$2,074
4/5Sat
multi-stopBritish Airways
35h 15mSYD-GRU
22/5Wed
multi-stopBritish Airways
42h 50mGRU-SYD
$2,133
6/5Mon
multi-stopQantas Airways
18h 55mSYD-SCL
21/5Tue
directQantas Airways
14h 35mSCL-SYD
$2,758
8/5Wed
directQantas Airways
12h 40mSYD-SCL
22/5Wed
directQantas Airways
14h 35mSCL-SYD
$2,913
4/5Sat
multi-stopQatar Airways
35h 45mSYD-GRU
11/5Sat
multi-stopQatar Airways
31h 55mGRU-SYD
$3,105
4/5Sat
multi-stopQatar Airways
38h 45mSYD-GRU
10/5Fri
multi-stopQatar Airways
50h 50mGRU-SYD
$3,110
4/5Sat
multi-stopEmirates
68h 10mSYD-GRU
10/5Fri
multi-stopEmirates
40h 20mGRU-SYD
$3,599
4/5Sat
multi-stopEmirates
68h 10mSYD-GRU
3/7Wed
multi-stopEmirates
40h 20mGRU-SYD
$3,636
8/5Wed
multi-stopBritish Airways
55h 00mSYD-SCL
24/5Fri
multi-stopBritish Airways
57h 25mSCL-SYD
$3,919

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